Egypt: Court ruling compounds Morsi's woes

Opponents of Egypt's Islamist President Mohammed Morsi protest outside the presidential palace, in Cairo, Egypt, Monday, July 1, 2013. Egypt's military on Monday issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Islamist president and his opponents to reach an agreement to "meet the people's demands" or it will intervene to put forward a political road map for the country and ensure it is carried out. The banner at center, with Arabic writing, reads, "leave." (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

CAIRO (AP) — An Egyptian court says besieged President Mohammed Morsi must reinstate an attorney general fired last year in another blow to his authority.

Tuesday's ruling by the Court of Cassation further chips at Morsi's administration as he faces massive protests calling for his ouster and a 48-hour ultimatum by his army chief to work out his differences with the opposition.

If not, the military vows to enforce a political road map of its own. The ultimatum expires Wednesday, but Morsi has rejected stepping down.

Morsi's dismissal of Mahmoud Abdel-Meguid, who was appointed by ousted leader Hosni Mubarak, was seen by the judiciary as an encroachment on its independence.

The opposition has long demanded the removal of Abdel-Meguid's successor, Talaat Abdullah.Associated PressCopyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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